Senior Operations Manager – Metal Manufacturing
Location: Rochester, NY area
Industry: Metal Fabrication & Precision Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead all aspects of a metal manufacturing facility specializing in precision components, assemblies, and fabricated products. The facility spans over 40,000 sq. ft. and employs more than 75 team members across production, quality, engineering, materials, and support functions.
This position is the senior on-site leadership role, responsible for achieving excellence in safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. The Operations Manager will direct day-to-day manufacturing operations, drive Lean initiatives, and partner with cross-functional teams to support growth, customer satisfaction, and new product introduction.
This role reports directly to the Regional Director of Operations and plays a key part in shaping the culture, performance, and strategic direction of the facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership for all plant operations including fabrication, machining, assembly, materials management, production planning, and engineering support.
- Drive EHS excellence, maintaining compliance with all OSHA, state, and local regulations while promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the facility’s quality system to ensure compliance with ISO and customer standards; lead initiatives to reduce defects, improve first-pass yield, and enhance product reliability.
- Lead Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma activities to eliminate waste, improve flow, and increase productivity across departments.
- Manage daily scheduling, order fulfillment, and delivery performance to meet customer requirements and maintain world-class on-time shipment metrics.
- Partner with engineering and production teams to support new product introductions (NPI), process validation, and technology transfer.
- Maintain control of all facility assets and inventory, ensuring effective utilization and preventive maintenance of capital equipment.
- Manage budgets, cost control, and KPI tracking; report performance metrics and lead corrective actions to achieve business targets.
- Develop and mentor supervisors and team leaders, fostering an environment of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Champion operational excellence, ensuring alignment with corporate standards and customer expectations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (MBA preferred).
- Minimum 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in metal fabrication, machining, stamping, or industrial component production.
- Proven track record leading multi-department operations with 75+ employees and significant P&L or budget responsibility.
- Demonstrated success implementing Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma methodologies (certification preferred).
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP; strong understanding of cost accounting and operational financials.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Annual performance-based bonus
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off, holidays, and continued professional development opportunities
